Health Minister signals movement on 24-hour CT scanner for Ingham

Rather than racing to Townsville with a nurse in tow at all hours for a CT scan, a 24-hour machine could be coming to an NQ town. See more.

Ingham could be one step closer to securing a 24-hour CT scanner with the Queensland Health Minister promising to move the issue “forward”.

In parliament last week Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto asked the new Health Minister if she would commit to funding a CT scanner for the Ingham Hospital in this year’s budget.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service was working to find a solution for the Ingham community and a proposal was currently under consideration, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

“Health emergencies often happen outside of business hours, and that is why it is really important we have one available in the public system for 24-hour access,” she said.

“... I will give my commitment to the member for Hinchinbrook and the Townsville HHS to move this matter forward and work with you to deliver a solution for the Ingham community,” Ms Fentiman said.

During question time on Thursday, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said it was important to have 24-hour access to a CT scanner. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Dametto is the Katter’s Australian Party deputy leader, and the party has been vocal about 24-hour CT scanners in the past, arguing they would alleviate ambulance ramping, bed blockages and staff shortages at city hospitals.

There is a CT scanner at a private practice in Ingham, so patients can be transferred there during business hours. If they need to be taken to Townsville, a nurse has to ride in the ambulance with them.

Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party deputy leader Nick Dametto at Ingham Hospital.

Mr Dametto said the Health Minister’s answer to the question without notice was “positive and promising”.

“Although there is still a long way to go, we could not have achieved what we have so far without the outstanding support and advocacy from both of the Ingham Hospital Community Advisory Network’s and also the Townsville Hospital and Health Board,” he said.

As of September last year Ayr, Charleville, Charters Towers, Dalby, Ingham, Moranbah, Stanthorpe and St George did not have access to a 24-hour CT scanner. Picture: Zak Simmonds

CT stands for computed tomography. The machines use x-ray and digital technology and can scan bone, blood vessels, soft tissue and tumours at the same time

Mr Dametto would now look for an update on specifics and time frames for the Ingham Hospital.

Originally published as Health Minister signals movement on 24-hour CT scanner for Ingham